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Bringing Singapore’s Aerospace Towards Clearer Skies

  • 17 May 2023
  • Written by: Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore), AAIS
Aerospace Singapore speaks to Ms Lim Ai Ting, JTC’s Aerospace and Marine Cluster Director, on how JTC continues to position Singapore as Asia’s leading aerospace hub amid strong headwinds.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on the aerospace industry, how has JTC shifted its strategy to face the current challenges and maintain Singapore’s status as a leading aerospace hub?

JTC recognises that the industry continues to have bright spots and opportunities for long-term growth, and we’re committed to helping our companies recover and tap new growth opportunities.

To help companies transform and prepare for the aerospace recovery, we have worked closely with the Singapore Business Federation and McKinsey to offer the Industry 4.0 Human Capital Initiative (IHCI). The IHCI immerses companies in an intensive consultancy program, advising companies on how to implement greater automation and more efficient processes that increase output and reduce costs. One aerospace company that benefited is AVIMAC, where the solutions provided through the IHCI program were able to increase their machine productivity by 10%.

Looking ahead, JTC continues to develop the infrastructure at Seletar Aerospace Park (SAP). Our latest development, aeroSpace Three (‘AS3’), provides companies with “plug & play” solutions for new aerospace manufacturing & MRO activities. We also continue to prepare capacity  through our latest phase of infrastructure works to support future aerospace activities.

JTC aerospace Three at Seletar Aerospace Park. Photo: JTC

Besides being an infrastructure developer, how else does JTC engage with the aerospace industry?

JTC’s role extends beyond just being an infrastructure provider. We invest heavily in a community-based strategy where we tap on our network of stakeholders to curate industry leading events that advance the interests of the aerospace industry.

 

Take for example, Aerospace Day, one of JTC’s signature talent outreach events, organised in collaboration with the Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore) (AAIS), all 5 polytechnics, the Institute of Technical Education, and NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute. Aerospace Day offers students a closer look at the exciting opportunities in the aerospace industry and is part of JTC’s Industry Connect initiative to help businesses in our estates attract talent, adopt technology, and embark on sustainability initiatives. As the sector continues to recover, initiatives such as Aerospace Day will help companies to bridge the talent gap. 

 

Seletar has grown into a thriving lifestyle destination, what has been JTC’s approach to curating the estate?

We place great importance in making SAP a great place to work and play. Nestled in the heart of the estate is The Oval. This rustic lifestyle hub features restaurants and amenities housed within refurbished black-and-white colonial bungalows and has grown over the past 2 years to include new tenants like 5 by Sans Façon, F45, SID Events, and Chow Cute Café. We have also continued with our efforts to make The Oval a lively destination with seasonal events and installations such as Candylicious Wonderland during the holiday periods.

Candylicious Wonderland at The Oval from November 2021 to February 2022. Photo: JTC
Wheeler's Estate at The Oval. Photo: JTC

How has JTC’s efforts in promoting sustainability been progressing?

Sustainability is key to JTC’s vision for our estates. In August 2021, we launched the inaugural Singapore Aerospace Industry Solar Adoption Report (SAISAR) together with AAIS. We are thrilled to see that on average, the aerospace industry’s solar capacity grew 83% per year from 2013 to 2020. This reflects the strong commitment from Singapore’s aerospace industry to reduce their carbon footprint through renewable energy.

To help companies on their solar journey, JTC launched our SolarRoof initiative which allows our lessees to tap on JTC’s master contract and install solar panels at their facilities with zero upfront capital outlay.

Can you share what you think the future holds for the aerospace industry?

One area on the rise are digital services, with more data being collected from aircraft, MRO hangars and at OEM plants. We will see greater utilisation of AI to perform predictive maintenance and optimise manufacturing processes.

Advancements in autonomous technologies have fueled research into urban air mobility that will increase regional connectivity. These developments will lay the foundations for larger scale autonomous flights, reducing airline operating costs and increasing safety.

Lastly, aerospace companies have renewed their commitment towards sustainable air travel. An increasing appetite for sustainable aviation fuels and new developments in electric-powered and hydrogen-powered flight will usher in an exciting new era of sustainable aviation.

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